Asbury Park Distilling Co sits on Lake Avenue in the heart of New Jersey’s legendary music town, bringing craft spirits to a city better known for Bruce Springsteen and beachfront boardwalks. Founded by Tom Kearns and Mike Mraz in 2017, this operation grew from two friends who wanted to create something authentic in a place where authenticity matters. Kearns, a former corporate executive, and Mraz, who had restaurant industry experience, spent years planning before opening their doors in a renovated space that captures Asbury Park’s gritty-meets-artistic vibe. They focus on small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, with plans that always included becoming part of the city’s creative renaissance. The distillery opened during Asbury Park’s ongoing transformation from post-industrial decline to cultural destination, and they’ve positioned themselves as locals first, tourist attraction second. Their 2,000-square-foot facility houses custom copper stills and serves as both production space and tasting room, designed to feel like you’re visiting friends who happen to make really good whiskey. The team keeps production deliberately small, focusing on quality over volume while building relationships with customers who often become regulars. You’ll find them experimenting with different mash bills and aging techniques, always tweaking recipes based on what they’re tasting and learning.
